"I Looked Back"

I looked back and saw my Mom,

She was baking caramel cake,

Smiling and a-laughing,

Serving love for Jesus’ sake.

I looked back and saw my Dad,

Always hard at work,

And as a hunter never missed,

And no chore he’d ever shirk.

I looked back and saw my kids,

Back when just a few years old,

All the laughter and the fun,

Now adults and bold.

Grand-kids too when babies new,

And now they’re on their way,

To making all their dreams come true,

And all that I can say,

Is thank the Lord for all of them,

And all the times we’ve shared,

Family means so much to me,

They know I’ve always cared.

I looked back and saw myself,

Back before I knew,

To seize the time the Good Lord gives,

What He wants us to do.

But now I’m learning at this stage,

It’s what life’s all about,

And I’m so thankful for the times,

To enjoy without a doubt.

I look at her, I look at us,

I look at Texas love,

Where we live and what we have,

Are gifts from up above.

I looked back and look ahead,

And all that I can see,

Is Jesus leading all the way,

He’s been so good to me.

“Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.” (Psalm 103:1-2, NLT)

Nobody’s life is perfect but everyone’s life has been blessed. If we dwell on what we’ve lost or suffered, we will never learn to live thankfully. We end up missing out on God’s best because we’re too negative to receive it. Or we think we’re unworthy or whatever. Looking back on the seasons of life and the people that made them special is a good thing to remember. That’s why we take photos and videos and then replay them when we gather for the holidays. All the wonderful “remember when’s” make us ready for the next “what if’s!” Bless the Lord, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Lord, teach us to remember all the good things You do for us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mark Maggiori, used by permission. Thanks, Mark, and God bless you.